The Legendborn Cycle, #3
Oathbound
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
Natasia records that Selwyn has awakened in a demon-transformed state, with crimson eyes, black-veined hands, and green aether, but he refuses to speak to her. Their reunion exposes the depth of Selwyn’s anger toward Natasia and forces Natasia to confront her guilt as both mother and Merlin.
The chapter also links Selwyn’s condition to Natasia’s own Shadowborn transformation and broadens Natasia’s grief over Faye. Natasia mistakenly takes solace in believing Bree is outside the supernatural conflict, even as the broader story has already drawn Bree deeply into it.
Summary
In an audio log recorded away from the cabin, Natasia explains that Selwyn woke twelve days earlier. She regrets not documenting the moment sooner, but the emotional strain of seeing her son again after thirteen years has made scientific detachment impossible.
When Selwyn first opened his eyes, Natasia saw that his former golden gaze had turned crimson. He instantly crouched on the bed, snarling and ready to summon aether. Natasia stayed perfectly still so Selwyn’s predatory instincts would not read her as prey, and Selwyn’s senses eventually identified that Natasia was not an immediate threat.
Selwyn recognized Natasia as his mother, and his expression moved from confusion and hurt to disgust and fury. Natasia tried to make gentle conversation about her changed appearance and scars, but Selwyn responded with distrust and growls. When Natasia mentioned training him, Selwyn’s curiosity hardened into hostility.
Selwyn then examined his transformed hands, including dark nails and black veins, and discovered that his aether now manifested as green mage flame. Natasia tried to explain the change, but Selwyn repeatedly silenced Natasia with growls and practiced calling the green aether in his palms until he seemed satisfied. Afterward, Selwyn closed his eyes and dismissed Natasia without speaking.
Natasia says this pattern has continued for twelve days: Selwyn eats the food Natasia makes, accepts supplies, explores and rests, but refuses to speak to Natasia. Natasia believes Selwyn can talk but deliberately chooses not to because of their painful history, which Natasia accepts as her fault. Natasia compares Selwyn’s adjustment to her own time as a transformed Shadowborn imprisoned in the Shadowhold.
Natasia’s reflections turn to Faye, whose compassion Natasia now tries to imagine and emulate. Natasia grieves Faye’s death and wonders what Bree is facing, hoping Bree is safe with her father. Natasia takes comfort in believing Faye’s early Rootcraft testing proved Bree had not inherited those abilities, meaning Bree can remain free from the dangerous world of the Order, Legendborn, and Shadowborn.
Who Appears
- Natasiarecords observations, cares for transformed Selwyn, and reflects on guilt, Faye, and Bree.
- Selwyn Kaneawakens demon-transformed, hostile and silent, while testing his new green aether.
- Fayeremembered by Natasia as a compassionate friend whose death still causes deep grief.
- Bree Matthewsabsent but considered by Natasia, who hopes Bree is safe and free from the Order.